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Michael F. Easley
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
Governor's Press Office
State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001
(919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005
FAX (919) 733-5166
For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Ernie Seneca
Date: September 15, 2003 Phone: 919/733-5612
GOV. EASLEY MOBILIZES STATE AGENCIES AS HURRICANE ISABEL APPROACHES
RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley has mobilized state agencies as Hurricane Isabel approaches the East Coast of the United States.
“We are taking steps to prepare in case Hurricane Isabel hits North Carolina,” Easley said. “Residents should monitor weather forecasts, stock up on needed supplies such as gasoline and water, and tune to news broadcasts to hear the latest updates from emergency management personnel.
“The storm has weakened in recent hours but still poses a significant threat and could strengthen again,” Easley said. “We are coordinating with federal, state and local officials on storm preparation and response.”
Storm surge is anticipated in the sounds, and the northeastern portion of the state is predicted to get the heaviest rain. Strong winds could occur inland. Landfall is expected Thursday about 8 a.m. at Cape Hatteras, with Isabel’s eye passing over the Outer Banks midday.
Beginning Tuesday, the N.C. Division of Emergency Management will be holding periodic briefings on the storm and preparedness efforts.
Hyde County issued a mandatory evacuation order for Ocracoke Island today at 12:30 p.m., and Dare County is expected to make a decision Tuesday on the possible evacuation of Hatteras Island.
To assist with the Ocracoke evacuation, emergency shelters are opening today about 4 p.m. at Fike High School in Wilson and 7 p.m. at Benvenue Elementary School in Rocky Mount.
The N.C. Department of Transportation's Ferry Division has suspended its regular ferry schedule to and from Ocracoke Island. The ferries are operating on an as-needed basis to evacuate the island until further notice. Other ferry routes will remain on schedule as long as conditions permit.
DOT’s Division of Highways is making preparations to move personnel and equipment to coastal areas to help clear debris from roadways as necessary. For the latest on road conditions, people can visit the department's real-time travel information website at www.ncdot.org and click on "Real-Time Travel Info."
The Division of Emergency Management urges residents to do the following:
Determine if you are in a storm-surge zone: Residents living in storm-surge zones may be ordered to evacuate. Evacuation zones will be identified by local emergency managers through the news media. You also should know if your home is located in a flood plain. These areas suffer excessively from heavy rains

Michael F. Easley
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
Governor's Press Office
State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001
(919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005
FAX (919) 733-5166
For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Ernie Seneca
Date: September 15, 2003 Phone: 919/733-5612
GOV. EASLEY MOBILIZES STATE AGENCIES AS HURRICANE ISABEL APPROACHES
RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley has mobilized state agencies as Hurricane Isabel approaches the East Coast of the United States.
“We are taking steps to prepare in case Hurricane Isabel hits North Carolina,” Easley said. “Residents should monitor weather forecasts, stock up on needed supplies such as gasoline and water, and tune to news broadcasts to hear the latest updates from emergency management personnel.
“The storm has weakened in recent hours but still poses a significant threat and could strengthen again,” Easley said. “We are coordinating with federal, state and local officials on storm preparation and response.”
Storm surge is anticipated in the sounds, and the northeastern portion of the state is predicted to get the heaviest rain. Strong winds could occur inland. Landfall is expected Thursday about 8 a.m. at Cape Hatteras, with Isabel’s eye passing over the Outer Banks midday.
Beginning Tuesday, the N.C. Division of Emergency Management will be holding periodic briefings on the storm and preparedness efforts.
Hyde County issued a mandatory evacuation order for Ocracoke Island today at 12:30 p.m., and Dare County is expected to make a decision Tuesday on the possible evacuation of Hatteras Island.
To assist with the Ocracoke evacuation, emergency shelters are opening today about 4 p.m. at Fike High School in Wilson and 7 p.m. at Benvenue Elementary School in Rocky Mount.
The N.C. Department of Transportation's Ferry Division has suspended its regular ferry schedule to and from Ocracoke Island. The ferries are operating on an as-needed basis to evacuate the island until further notice. Other ferry routes will remain on schedule as long as conditions permit.
DOT’s Division of Highways is making preparations to move personnel and equipment to coastal areas to help clear debris from roadways as necessary. For the latest on road conditions, people can visit the department's real-time travel information website at www.ncdot.org and click on "Real-Time Travel Info."
The Division of Emergency Management urges residents to do the following:
Determine if you are in a storm-surge zone: Residents living in storm-surge zones may be ordered to evacuate. Evacuation zones will be identified by local emergency managers through the news media. You also should know if your home is located in a flood plain. These areas suffer excessively from heavy rains